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Mark Stenglein announced as next head of Downtown Council

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February 13, 2012 // UPDATED 12:22 pm - February 24, 2012

By: Jeremy Zoss

Jeremy Zoss

Hennepin County Commissioner Mark Stenglein will become the next president and CEO of the Downtown Council, the organization announced today. Stenglein will follow Sam Grabarski, who has held the role since 1996. Steinglein will assume the role on June 1., after which Grabarski will stay on as President Emeritus for a transitional period.

“I’ve greatly enjoyed my time at the Minneapolis Downtown Council and I’m committed to a seamless period of transition between Mark and myself. He will make an excellent President and CEO during the exciting times ahead for downtown,” said Grabarski in a statement.

Stenglein’s main goal as head of the Downtown Council will be to work towards implementation of the organization’s recently unveiled 2025 plan, which calls for a doubling of the downtown population, improvements to Nicollet Mall, widening the city’s transportation options and several other goals. In his role as Hennepin County Commissioner, Stenglein has worked on many of the issues outlined by the 2025 Plan.

“Downtown Minneapolis is a thriving urban destination, and I am anxious to contribute to the future growth of the city,” said Stenglein in a statement. “This is the perfect time for downtown business and elected leaders to bring their energy to the table to help preserve and grow what has been accomplished in Minneapolis.”

State Senator Linda Higgins, who represents downtown and North Minneapolis, has announced her intentions to run for the Hennepin County Commissioner seat vacated by Stenglein.